Michigan State University
Colonial Relays
Spartan Track And Field Shines At Colonial Relays
4/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
April 6, 2007
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The Michigan State track and field team performed exceptionally well at the opening day of competition at the Colonial Relays on Friday. After day one, the men are in seventh (30), while the women are in third place (58). In addition, three Spartans also collected regional-qualifying marks.
"We came to run fast, but more than that, we came to compete," Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Walt Drenth said. "We are very excited to be a part of a team-scored event, and we set a good foundation today. I expect both of our teams to move up in the standings tomorrow."
The afternoon started with a qualifying time for Ian Boyle in the 1,500-meter run. The freshman ran a 3:47.55 for a second-place finish in his first 1,500-meter race as a Spartan.
"This was a great race for Ian (Boyle)," Drenth said. "He will be one of the nation's elite if he keeps improving the way he is."
Nicole Bush added another accolade to her record, as she collected a regional-qualifying time in the 1,500-meters (4:25.07). The junior distance runner was almost two seconds below the qualifying time, and finished first in the event.
"Nicole (Bush) is coming back from illness and is a little banged up," Drenth said. "She came out in the race and was very assertive."
Melinda Buckmaster posted another top notch performance in the javelin. The senior threw 44.30 meters (145-4) for her second-consecutive qualifying distance and her second first-place finish of the outdoor season.
"Melinda (Buckmaster) exemplifies what we are trying to do with this team," Drenth said. "She is tough-minded and competitive and it is coming through meet after meet."
In her first 3,000-meter steeplechase of the outdoor season, Sarah Price surprised her competition with a 10:52.91, just seconds short of a qualifying time.
"In her (Sarah Price) debut, she competed very well," Drenth said. "She will reach a qualifying time very soon."
Senior Jason Brown won his first shot put competition of the season with a 16.64 meter (54-7 1/4) throw and Keith Hewlett posted a 6.95 meter (22-9 3/4) jump in the long jump for a fifth-place finish.
Also in the 1,500-meter, Jim Pancoast finished in fifth (3:48.45), Bobby Sherman turned in a six-place performance (3:48.66) and Phil Marlatt posted an eighth-place finish (3:51.17).
On the women's side, Taren James leaped 5.57 meters (18-3 1/4) in the long jump to finish third.
Day two of competition is slated to begin on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Players Mentioned
